Everything in the new economy is measured, and decisions are made by the millisecond. Trading firms practice routine high-frequency transactions, with adaptive algorithms taking advantage of split-second internet latency. Advertising budgets are allocated to the precise number of eyeballs and finger taps. Product development is done with assistance of white-coated R&D teams using A/B testing and focus groups to identify the perfect formulations. Logistic services calculate the fuel usage of making left turns. Hiring processes are being automated by employing a battery of personality and psychological tests to assess 60-70% of prospective employees.

We've gotten business down to a science. It has helped out the bottom line, but not our employees' mental health.

Almost 30 years ago, researchers estimated that stress cost the US economy more than $300bn/year. In the interim, work became a 24/7 job which is always-connected and always-on, for most levels of the corporate structure. The 9-5 workday of the 1950's has fallen by the wayside. Business has become global, with employees operating in every time zone, introducing new challenges like middle-of-the-night conference calls, increased travel, and last-minute deadlines.

"Our work can literally make us sick. Long hours, impossible demands from bosses, and uncertain job security can take their toll on our mental and physical well-being, leading to stress-induced aches and pains and anxiety. In extreme cases, the consequences can be worse—heart disease, high blood pressure, alcoholism, mental illness."